Organisers hope the good start to the festival will make up for the wet weather that arrived this week and kept some visitors away. While they usually expect a wet day or two, this is the first time they have had to deal with an extended period of wet weather at the festival.

During the 12 days they hope to generate $100,000 in income, much of which flows back to local businesses where they source their supplies. Once the final figures are in they also hope to make a generous distribution from the profits back to the local community organisations who assist with the running of the festival.

If you are one of the many who have already had, or plan to, enjoy a good meal of lamb and spuds, spare a thought for those who have to compile the shopping list each year to ensure the meals can be prepared and served on demand.

In the first week they have already gone through 125kg of potatoes for potato bakes, 100kg chats, 100 legs of lamb, 1200 chops (more popular than ever this year) and 700 lamb and gravy rolls. 3500 meals have been plated up and all this is achieved with a hard working committee and volunteers.

Three of those who you will find on the site from start to finish - Julie Gittoes, Geoff and Bertha Reeves - spend thirteen and a half hours each day at the festival. They organise the volunteers and can be found doing anything from peeling spuds to putting out the rubbish.

Julie shows a dedication to the event that few can match - who else would swap their school holidays for a voluntary job that involves long hours, no pay and very little thanks.

“It is a great community event,” said Julie. “I enjoy working with the volunteer groups who provide the workers and I enjoy being able to put something back into the town.”

“I think it works so well because it is a great place to stop and travellers can enjoy some time out, have something to eat and visit the stalls.”